About Cardinal Marks
Cardinal Marks
Cardinal marks are essential aids to maritime navigation. They're named after the four main points of the compass: north, south, east, and west. Each cardinal mark has a distinct appearance and colour scheme.
North Cardinal Marks
A vital tools in maritime navigation. These markers, usually black and yellow, signify that safe water exists to the north of the buoy or beacon. Mariners use them to determine their position and direction when approaching the buoy, helping them navigate safely through waters. North Cardinal marks are especially valuable in identifying hazards, ensuring ships avoid dangers like rocks, reefs, or shallows, which lie on the opposite side of the marker. Essentially, they act as a directional signpost, guiding vessels away from potential threats and toward a secure path.
Chart Symbol
Image
Lights: White, Q or VQ
East Cardinal Mark
East Cardinal marks are essential for maritime navigation. Typically black and yellow, they indicate that safe water is to the east of the buoy or beacon. Mariners use these marks to understand their position and direction when approaching. When a ship sees an East Cardinal mark, it means they should steer their vessel to the east to avoid hazards, like rocks or shallows, which are located on the opposite side of the mark. These buoys are like maritime signposts, guiding ships away from potential dangers and toward a secure passage, making seafaring safer and more precise.
Chart Symbol
Image
Lights: White, Q(3) 15s or VQ(3) 5s
South Cardinal Mark
South Cardinal marks are crucial in maritime navigation. Typically, they have black and yellow colour schemes and signify that safe water lies to the south of the buoy or beacon. Mariners rely on South Cardinal marks to determine their position and the direction they should follow when approaching. When encountering a South Cardinal mark, it signals that they should head to the south to avoid potential hazards, like rocks or shallow waters, which are located on the opposite side of the mark. In essence, South Cardinal marks act as navigational guides, steering vessels away from dangers and leading them to a secure route, enhancing maritime safety.
Chart Symbol
Image
Lights: White, Q(6) + LFl 15s or VQ(6) + LFl 10s
West Cardinal Mark
South Cardinal marks are crucial in maritime navigation. Typically, they have black and yellow colour schemes and signify that safe water lies to the south of the buoy or beacon. Mariners rely on South Cardinal marks to determine their position and the direction they should follow when approaching. When encountering a South Cardinal mark, it signals that they should head to the south to avoid potential hazards, like rocks or shallow waters, which are located on the opposite side of the mark. In essence, South Cardinal marks act as navigational guides, steering vessels away from dangers and leading them to a secure route, enhancing maritime safety.
Chart Symbol
Image
Lights: White, Q(9) 15s or VQ(9) 10s